Front desk Web Appointment Book Setup Utility issues

I am trying to set-up Font Desk Web messenger at my practice. However the installation guide is very non specific and when I "test database" I am unable to connect. What are the default setting for "Instance Name" "Connect to Database" "TCP port" and "Network Protocol". Front_desk is installed on the computer and running fine. Do I have to fork out more money in order to get assistance access a stock feature? If so that is unacceptable considering the cheaper and more user friendly practice management software out there.

There are two versions of the Web Appointment Book - one that is free and self-install, and a paid version called WebPlus which includes more functionality and full installation assistance. The instructions for installation can be found at this link.

Clients that are on a current support and upgrades agreement with Smartsoft have access to free helpdesk and technical support, and we are happy to provide assistance with both versions. You are welcome to open a support case at www.smartsoft.com.au/support.

In relation to your comment regarding the possibility of having to pay for support, this would only be the case if you were not on a support and upgrades agreement. I guess if you were not paying the “cheaper and more user friendly practice management” software companies, you wouldn't have access to the software at all. With our model your licence is perpetual allowing you to continue to use the product at no cost.

As your problem will be resolved with the correct installation of the Web Appointment Book functionality by yourself, your tech person or by obtaining our assistance, I have marked this post as 'not a problem'.

Charles, I believe you are just showing your lack of industry knowledge. Smartsoft has been around for 20 years, is the market leader and services 40% of the Australian professional allied heath industry. Further, to address your comment - revenues have never been better. Thank you.

I request that you limit your posts to Smartsoft product usage related topics for the benefit of all community users.

Just leaving this here for perpetuity, your SQL server (ie your appointment book access) won't be running on the default port 1433 as shown in the tutorial, as Microsoft SQL server 2008 is a seperate entity to the FD program.

The instance name "Front_Desk" and default sql login creds will suffice (unless you changed those creds yourself) , note the "sa" creds are different to your default FD login.

To find your port number on Windows, open the program windows command prompt and run it as administrator (right click, run as administrator). Then type "netstat -ab | more". The hard part will be sifting through all the open ports, from memory the service name you're looking for is "sqlservr.exe", it should be the port above it.

Due to the technical nature of the setup of the Web Appointment Book, users should contact Smartsoft for assistance with the installation when required. There is no charge for users on a support agreement for either the standard Web Appointment Book or the paid WebPlus.